South Africa releases last zoo elephant after 40 years

Charlie, who was captured from Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park in 1984 and trained to perform tricks at a circus, was transferred to the country's national zoo in the early 2000s.

On August 20, after a four-hour journey, he arrived at his new home at the Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo province.

The release was the result of years of advocacy by the EMS Foundation, which provided scientific evidence showing that elephants suffer in captivity.

According to the foundation, Charlie had witnessed the deaths of four other elephants at the zoo, including his own calf.

In 2019, concerns were raised about Charlie showing signs of distress, which the zoo denied, attributing his behavior to years of circus life.

Animal welfare organisation, Four Paws, which worked with the EMS Foundation, called Charlie’s release an important milestone for animal welfare in South Africa.

"Together with our partners, we have been working tirelessly to end the loneliness of Charlie to see him thrive in his new species-appropriate home," said Josef Pfabigan, Four Paws' chief executive.

Charlie’s new home is a 10,000-hectare reserve known for successfully reintegrating animals into the wild. He will be closely monitored by veterinary and behavioral experts while he adjusts to his new environment.

"Our dream is that at his own pace, Charlie will learn to be the elephant he was always meant to be," the EMS Foundation was quoted.

Dr. Amir Khalil, the veterinarian who led the transfer, said that despite the effects of captivity, "there is always a chance of recovery."

According to him, Charlie is already settling in, indicating signs including his excitement at hearing other elephants from afar. Charlie is currently under a rehabilitation and feeding program, with plans to release him into a larger area in the coming months.

The EMS Foundation has also indicated plans to litigate against the Johannesburg Zoo, where three more elephants are held, the BBC reports.